The Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger feud returns this weekend as Arsenal travel to an unhappy hunting ground, Old Trafford.
Tactically, Mourinho, if he sticks to his usual self, should set up to lock up – happy with a 0-0 against a free scoring Arsenal, but happy to nick a goal with the hundreds of millions invested in attack.
They’ll probably set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera at the double pivot to just sit back. Mourinho could also deploy the more physical Marouane Fellaini if he is passed fit.
The aim will be to completely contain Mesut Ozil, who has been running riot. United will also have Paul Pogba in the no.10 role, who can turn the double pivot into a midfield three in defence. To supplement this, we could likely see Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial on the wings – these two both love to cut inside, meaning we could see United placing a great emphasis on overloading the centre during the counter.
This will be a match Arsenal will want to get three points, not just the one. It’s unnecessary to play CoqNeny against a team likely to sit deep, so the more creative Granit Xhaka should pair with Francis Coquelin. The same team and style is likely to follow otherwise; the front four will be able to get in and around United’s defence.
The key matchups here will be Martial vs Carl Jenkisnon and Ozil vs Carrick/Herrera. With Hector Bellerin out, Carl’s introduction provides much uncertainty into a defence which has proved solid all season.
Meanwhile, Ozil’s interchanging with the wingers will be vital if he wants to escape the attentions of United’s midfield
